TOPIC: MERCURY IN FISHES

Mercury in Fishes



Mercury in Fishes

Introduction

By the industrial progress, pollution in seas and rivers are increasing day by day as the industrial wastes containing dangerous metals like mercury, cadmium and lead dispose of in rivers and seas ,the water pollution is dangerous for the aquatic species like fishes and when human being eat them it may cause harmful side effects to the human health (Parks, 2007).

Mercury is a naturally occurring metal which is presented in the environment. This natural substance is used in many spheres of human activity, and released into the air , mercury changes its form and becomes methyl mercury because of the burning of coal, metal, Volcanic eruptions, erosion and weathering of mercury and other natural phenomena etc, human activities, such as mining, burning of fossil fuels, industrial emissions, direct application of fertilizers and then kill fungal agent, and disposal of solid waste in landfills (including battery and temperature) releases mercury pollution, aquatic organisms intake that mercury. It is the most heavy metal containing high level of toxicity, this poison affects the brain and the spinal nerve and causes dangerous disease called Minamata, in taking large quantity of mercury can cause nervous system disorder, loss of memory and loss of self-confidence.

Because of the global industrial chemical pollution in the aquatic environment, in marine and river dwellers are concentrated deadly organic mercury compounds (so-called methyl mercury), which is falling and accumulating in the human body. There are different types of mercury present, first one is the metallic mercury (elemental mercury), second is the inorganic mercury and the third one is the organic mercury. Foods contain mercury in inorganic and organic species; can be divided into two forms. More toxic organic mercury presents in methyl mercury containing fish body. Human exposure to methyl mercury is the main source of fish and other seafood; predatory fishes (such as tuna and swordfish) accumulate more methyl mercury. The other foods may also contain mercury, but mainly inorganic mercury. Because the toxicity of inorganic mercury is more modest, therefore, food containing inorganic mercury does not cause too much concern. If the mercury contained in the body in large amount, it is dangerous to health, mercury can be detected in urine, and women's milk (Parks, 2007).

Causes and Preventions

Fishes are an important part of a healthy diet. Fishes have the property of absorbing mercury in them. When a person eats that affected fish then mercury transfers into his body. Fishes contain protein and other nutrients which are having low fat and fishes also contain omega-3 fats. Human beings should include a balanced diet which includes a numerous range of fishes and by taking fishes in the meal they can contribute to have healthy heart and growth and development of children. Human being should have to include the healthy diet and try to take the preventive measures in order to remain healthy. Fish and shellfish have mercury in their bodies, often it is present in the form of methyl ...